The truth about a complex built for veterans and the middle class and how it has evolved through the years to become one of the more interesting and controversial of New York stories.

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Management has two priorities: 1) Making sure money is made, hence upgrading and filling up apartments is their goal. "Amenities" are important in selling the place, though few residents use them. 2) If someone needs medical attention, Public Safety will be there, if alerted.

Quality of life issues are not that important, however. Things like the carpet rule or outsider dogs. These "rules" tend to be ignored, on purpose it seems. So you will see a lot that isn't taken care of properly, and complaints will be met with a creative excuse and a smile.

"Peace and quiet" must be a cruel joke, though this property is sold that way. There can be no peace and quiet as ALL apartments must be upgraded, which includes the installation of an AC unit below the window. Aside from the continual construction about the neighborhood, there is a new and noisy subway extension being built along East 14 st and the shut down of the L line. "Choosing" to live in NYC, now the newest mantra, is a fabrication when the talk is of ST and PCV, which was traditionally quiet, with no construction noise.

Though money was always important, it is now more important than ever. Money rules many things, as you will find.

At this point, 30 years into living here and seeing many things, I can state that Management and their reps are BS-ing us. I can't say that loudly enough: We are being BS-ed. I don't see any genuine change, though the "selling" of this place is intense. Few of the "rules" will be enforced, as Management doesn't want to lose customers or potential customers. Where personal integrity is a hallmark of an excellent management style, this integrity is not seen in enforcing some of the rules.

About those "club cars" we see going this way and that way, and outside of Stuy Town or Peter Cooper Village:

Monday, April 9, 2012

How Are Things Going?

First off, thanks for the messages about missing this blog. It seems like only yesterday (well, a week maybe) since I took a break, but I see that it's been much longer. I wish I could say I missed posting on the blog, but I didn't, and even now I'm kinda dismayed at starting up again because I already feel my posts will be negative ones, as I've seen nothing to particularly uplift me about this place for the last several weeks. Nothing has worsened at least. The bottom line is that money rules here, and there's just little of it for maintaining the grounds in an aesthetically pleasing way. I'm chiefly concerned about the grounds (forget about the fool's gold of tenant ownership here), as it is our park-like environment that makes Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper distinctive. Not the gimmicks that are thrown up now and then for show and a pleasing photo promo on Stuy Town's official website or commercial.

On the good side, there have been numerous tulip plantings about the complex....

And trees that were already planted years ago are blooming, or beginning to bloom, nicely...

But other areas of the complex are pathetic. I don't even know why this is cordoned off by string. Do we expect to see something beautiful arise here or has the Miracle Gro run out?

There are many areas around the Oval buildings that are nearly bare of any plantings or trees. Is something going to happen here or does it just stay like this? (I would at least suggest cactus at this point.)

The central Oval grass/plant area has been diminishing through the years, with the latest diminution being a result of the cute white guard booth put in last year. Because the field of vision from it would have been blocked by the plants/trees that were around it, those plantings were cut down and now we have more bare space:

And don't get me started on the disastrous, slum-like appearance of the earth dirt area that housed the weekly Farmers Market (which I'm sure will be back in the same place, despite the area not being zoned for a commercial enterprise).

At least the pleasing activities on Easter were geared toward families, and the hope is that their promotion will attract more families to rent here, but I do have to state that the band that was playing was dreadful or at least the sound system was awful. Why is noise the prime factor in selecting music to accompany an event in Stuy Town? The aesthetic in choosing what music is played (if it has to be played) is completely missing.

I did head over to Tompkins Square Park on Sunday and, as you can see by the following photos, the grounds-keeping there is--surprise, surprise--better than what we have. Their Miracle Gro hasn't run out.

34 comments:

WELCOME BACK!! You were missed. Hope you had a good rest. God knows how many atrocities went unreported while you were gone.

One good thing you forgot to mention- the ice skating rink has been completely removed and the area restored to a play space. I was sure the ice rink would be converted to a roller rink. Glad I was wrong.

I was thinking the ice skating rink would be turned into a pool, as during many of our warmer days, the ice began to melt to provide a sheen of water for skaters to go through. I'm assuming the plantings around the playground will remain (no problem, obviously), as I saw them being watered the other day.

Random tulip plantings don't mean they've figured out how to maintain the grounds. What happened to grass? New amenity is now if you sit at the flagpole, you have water bugs to keep you company. Crappy job, Rose.Welcome back, STR. I hope you're not giving up.

I happened to be passing by the long stretch of ugly, bare ground on the south side of the Oval where the Farmer's Market has been located in years past and overheard a Management person, whom I recognized, telling someone that the ugly, bare ground is "where we have our Farmers Market, which will be back here soon."

Really? OK, Management. Put the Greenmarket back in that illegal location and you will have a fight on your hands, if you do. Tenants who care about your arrogant, above-the-law attitude will be asking the Department of Buildings to investigate. Count on it.

Don't forget that there was also supposed to be a further ruling from the Dept of Buildings concerning the ice skating rink, aside from the initial one that mandated certain requirements. Somehow, we never heard about the follow-up.

I wonder how much Garodnick will be involved in Stuy Town/PCV now that he's running for comptroller. If he succeeds in the election, will he have more, or less, pull concerning what happens here?

The noise from the Easter concert was pretty unpleasant. The way I judge the loudness is if I can still hear/feel the music in my apartment with the windows closed and the AC on full blast. Lo and behold, even with those mitigating factors, it was still very much audible in every room of my 2 bedroom that faces Playground 10. Also, it started very early (before 11 AM).

Now, I have absolutely nothing against families enjoying an Easter event in the Oval, but does the music really need to be so loud as to become an intrusion into my home with all the windows closed? I find that very unreasonable, particularly before noon on a Sunday when I just want to recharge after a stressful work week.

Unfortunately the summer concerts are right around the corner and I imagine they will be as loud and unpleasant as years past. I really wish there was something that could be done to ensure that the music isn't so loud that it becomes obnoxious and bothersome, but judging from this past Sunday I think it's pretty much a pipe dream.

Thanks again for coming back. I had nowhere else where I felt it was appropriate to vent about this.

I was surprised that the music on Easter Sunday started that early. I was heading out to the Oval to finish reading a novel and had to walk over to Tompkins Square Park instead, where I could read in peace, amid garden-like surroundings.

The music and acoustics in the playground were harsh, too. Children won't mind, but adults?

I just wish that if music is such a necessity at these events, that the choice would be less noise and more music.

I'm assuming you are a market rate tenant (or what used to be a market rate tenant before the Roberts decision). Unfortunately, I don't think you can do much at this point, until the whole Roberts issue is settled. I'm sure it's infuriating, as you wait and wait and wait.... Scandalous, really.

>>Tenants who care about your arrogant, above-the-law attitude will be asking the Department of Buildings to investigate.<<

The word is that CW has been trying to get the Department of Buildings to change its ruling. Why is it that I feel they will succeed?

How do you know this, STR?

It would be most unfortunate if they get the Department of Buildings to change its ruling because it might open the door to all sorts of other shenanigans on CW and Management's part, as well, as setting a possible precedent in other parts of the City.

I heard from a reliable source that CW is, or was, trying to get the Dept of Buildings to change that ruling. Obviously, I have no clue as to what will develop. It's just my pessimism that considers a change more of a possibility than not. But my prediction, ruling or not, is that we will see the Farmers Market in the same place. If that's NOT going to happen, why keep that area the way it is, ready for its use?

Agree with STR. No one hates the Farmers Market, but it needs to be moved to a legal location. It's current location is not, which has not stopped CW and Management from continuing to host it in that location anyway. Just one more example of their disrespect for the law.

I don't understand drawing a conclusion of "hating the farmers market" when all one does is ask that they comply with the law. It's kind of like being labeled a dog hater when one takes exception to them crapping and pissing all over the grass and trees on the property. I just don't understand the thought process here.

Does anyone know if the ventilation ducts in our hallways actually work and if not are they legally required to do so? I ask because we have an apartment of NYU sewage on our floor and the stench of cigarettes/marijuana/vomit frequently overwhelms the hallway for hours at a time.

CW Capital’s role model, Leona Helmsley:"We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes.” Replace with zoning laws, you get the picture. I guess the fix is in. In Bloomberg’s world, why are we not surprised? Also add to the list of those who have sold us out, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who basically approved the NYU major expansion which will have a major negative effect on this community as well.

You and your small family are in the same boat as a lot of others. Should we stay or go? The fact is that any conversion will not happen for a number of years if at all. Those who would love to make this beautiful oasis in the middle of Manhattan their home will have to weigh paying these exorbitant market rates in the hopes the conversion occurs or washing your hands and saying I can buy a house somewhere with a 4% interest rate and pay half what I'm paying here in rent. Timing is everything.... and location....

about leaving or staying, hard call, but are not all apts in NYC just as over priced? Or a least most.

I quess the choise would be to leave Manhatten - something I use to think was heinous, but things are so culturally bankrupt now, the only reason to stay is for freinds family and if it is near work. And the dream we might go coop or condo...

Anon - April 12, 2012 4:53 PMSo what its in an illegal location? Who cares? Dont get it.

Why don't you try caring and educating yourself about why the Greenmarket is illegally located. A ton has been written about this over the last year. Lots of us care that CW Capital and Rose Management subvert the law whenever it suits them and they feel like it. The Oval is NOT zoned for commercial activity. What's next there - a Walmart?!

Absolutely agree with you about NYC apts. The point I was making is what you stated about leaving Manhattan. What makes our situation a little different is that there might be an opportunity to stay in STPCV becasue of the proposed conversion so it is a gamble because of the uncertainty. A market rate tenant will have to shell out rent month after month and year after year with the hope that it will convert and the money spent would have been worth it.

"Does anyone know if the ventilation ducts in our hallways actually work and if not are they legally required to do so? I ask because we have an apartment of NYU sewage on our floor and the stench of cigarettes/marijuana/vomit frequently overwhelms the hallway for hours at a time."

I think you are missing the point. You are actually guilty of theft of services. Apparently, you have been receiving the Oval Amenity "City Scents" package without actually paying for it.

I knew there would be some outlandish example of how CW breaks the rules, Walmart, ha, its a Scalia's broccoli argument... This rule being broken happens to benefit the community.

Will you feel the same way if/when CW Capital and Rose Management decide to break a rule - actually, no, not a rule, A NYC LAW - that affects YOU adversely?

No? I thought not.

The reason we have laws is so that people, entities, etc. do NOT do whatever they feel like doing whenever they feel like doing it. Without laws, my friend, there would surely be chaos in the world.

I am amazed and dismayed at people like you who think that it's OK to break the law whenever it works in your favor. Given your line of reasoning, it appears that you would applaud CW Capital and Rose Management if they put a Walmart on the Oval. After all, many people would see that as a convenience and a benefit. A Walmart on the Oval might seem like an outlandish concept to you now, but be careful what you condone; it might come back to bite you later on.

Until There Is Silence No More

The Tenants Association and our councilman Dan Garodnick have mysteriously remained silent about a purported incident that occurred on July 12: the mugging by a group of individuals of someone right by Peter Cooper Village, along 20th Street.

The TA is basically done. Tenants can complain, but any action is negligible. The TA is effectively dead.

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"We'll be introducing a new process to identify registered dogs thus enabling Public Safety Officers to clearly approach offending dog owners. The registration will hang from the leash handle; clearly identifying the dog as registered.

"If the dog is not registered by May 1; a summons will be issued at the point of contact. If we learn the dog owner is not a resident, they will be escorted off the property."

Rick Hayduk, CEO and General Manager of PCVST. Letter to Barry Shapiro, February 2016.

STR here: I have been around since the inception of this dog policy and I have NEVER seen anyone escorted out of ST or PCV with their non-lanyard dog. But I have seen, many times, a dog owner from outside, and his/her dog, casually walking through ST or PCV.

THINKING of Renting in PCVST?

Read Yelp reviews to find out what it's like living here. Please note: All apartments are currently "rent-stabilized" but that doesn't prevent apartments from going up to 4K to 6K a month and even higher. How does this happen? Ask our politicians! Fact: Now less than half of the complex's apartments have the old rents and it's getting worse year by year--or better if you are the Real Estate Board of New York!

The Other Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be tricky and bounce reviews for a variety of reasons, like being a member and posting just one review. Very often, however, these reviews hold important truths about what's being reviewed. READ THESE TOO.

BICYCLES, MOPEDS, SCOOTERS, ETC.

Of course, "private property" but "public access" - whatever that means! And if a part of it is public access, do the rules of the city apply to our roads and sidewalks? Or does anything give because this complex is "private property"? Who comes here in case of a fire in one of our buildings? The Stuy Town Fire Brigade?

Hint: Look both ways if you are in the complex. Look on the ground, too!

61.03 Control of dogs and other animals to prevent nuisance. (a) A person who owns, possesses or controls a dog, cat or other animal shall not permit the animal to commit a nuisance on a sidewalk of any public place, on a floor, wall, stairway, sidewalk, lawn, garden or roof of any public or private premises used in common by the public, or on a fence, wall [or], stairway or entranceway of a building abutting on a public place

Banned & Oversize Dog Breeds in Stuy Town

Looks like there is some difficulty in enforcing the ban on certain dog breeds allowed inside Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village. Somehow pitbulls and pitbull mixes have been registered in STPCV and are allowed to be freely walked about the grounds! Registered dogs in the complex are max 50 pounds. Total, if there is more than one! More than two, it's illegal. It's going to get worse, and, face it, Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village will never be like it once was.

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Read it and Weep

Current Value of ST/PCV

Was 5.4 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer bought the place.Became 1.7 Billion Dollars when Tishman Speyer left, with their tail between their legs. Of course, tenants now have to make up the loss.

Ex-landlord

Rob Speyer

1947 Stuy Town Plaque Honoring Met Life Chairman F.H. Ecker (Removed in 2002 and never seen again)

"... who with the vision of experience and the energy of youth conceived and brought into being this project, and others like it, that families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and that a pattern might be set of private enterprise productively devoted to public service."

I am writing on behalf of everyone at Tishman Speyer to express how honored we are to become part of your outstanding community. We are a business with deep roots in New York, a true love of our city and a great respect for the neighborhoods that make it special. We are committed to maintaining the unique character and environment that have made Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town such a wonderful place to live for so long. We look forward to providing you an extraordinary level of service and attentiveness that will be the source of pride and satisfaction for the entire community.

Neighborhood Recommendations

New to Stuy Town/Peter Cooper Village? Here are some basic recommendations.

Best supermarket: Associated on 14th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave A. The cheapest prices, fantastic weekly sales, very affordable lunches; solid, responsive management, but earthy. Some of the young female cashiers have attitude to spare, though. May be too far for Peter Cooper residents.

Best gym: Don't waste your money on the Oval Fitness Gym. Instead go to the earthy but real Asser Levy Recreational Center, right above 23rd St on Asser Levy Place (near the FDR Drive). $75 for a year's membership; seniors are almost free. Contains seasonal indoor and outdoor swimming pools, ping-pong table, two pool tables. Called by some rich people who wouldn't get caught going there "the prison gym," and you know why.

A Stuy Town favorite is Lenz's on 20 St. between the 20 St. Loop. The way New York used to be. Be careful of unwanted "pepper" in your food, however. Lenz's got a B grade rating and was temporarily closed down due to an order from the Health Department. Bruno's on First Avenue is more upscale, with a greater selection of food items (higher-priced, too), but was closed down temporarily by the Health Department. Stuy Town's own cafe was closed, too! And not because of all the dogs that hover and piss outside.

Gracefully has two locations, but we prefer for its size the one on 1st Ave. Prices are high and reflect the new tenants that are currently renting Stuy Town and Peter Cooper apartments. ("Do you have a credit card?") We like Gracefully's lunch specials, which are somewhat affordable.

I priced the CVS on 1st Ave near 14st. The non-aerosol hairspray was 20 cents above CVS' own website price, and one of the highest in NY. (Yes, I have hair.) You can save at least a dollar or more buying at another place. So beware. Look around for a better deal on all your items.

I love warm Quaker Oats in the morning. Gristedes is not the place to get it, nor is Associated, though their price is less. Look around!

Macular Degeneration Support Group

If you are currently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary is offering a support group for you. Conveniently located next to the Peter Cooper Village Stuyvesant Town apartment complex, our group offers the opportunity to share stories with other members, listen to expert guest speakers, and learn coping strategies to reduce stress. Our group runs on the first Wednesday of every month and we would enjoy seeing you there.
Please contact Baptiste Nicolas, Social Work Assistant at 212-979-4105 for further information and to see if this group is right for you!